5 Vineyards to visit in East and West Sussex
Who loves wine?! Yes, me too! Luckily for us, there are plenty of vineyards in Sussex that you can visit for a tour, tastings and / or a meal. Some even have on site accommodation. This blog post includes the 5 vineyards that I have visited in East and West Sussex.
1. Tillingham Vineyard in Rye
Tillingham is open every day offering wine tours, cellar door, relaxed pizza in the bar or lunch/dinner in their restaurant. It also has on site accommodation.
The Chorizo, Basil and Parmesan pizza was incredible. You can read more about this vineyard here.
2. Rathfinny Estate
Rathfinny Estate is situated in Alfriston, a small village in the South Downs National Park, with almost 300 acres of vines. It is a family owned wine estate specialising in vintage sparkling wines which are incredible. You can visit the Cellar Door and try 4 of their wines – three sparkling and one white wine for free before buying.
Lunch was at their Michelin recommended Tasting Room overlooking the vineyards where you can also have a drink on the terrace. There are al fresco picnics in the summer and evening meals in the Flint Barns Dining Room. It’s a stunning vineyard with amazing sparkling wine (so easily drinkable!) and delicious food.
We stayed at the gorgeous Alfriston Cabins which was just moments away from Rathfinny Estate. You can read more here.
3. Kinsbrook Vineyard and Farmhouse in Pulborough
The name ‘Kinsbrook’ combines the word ‘kin’ which is all about family and connection and ‘brook’ because flowing brooks cut through main sites. The vineyard and farmhouse opened in 2022 and offers restaurant, patio and deli dining.
They now have over 56,000 vines planted across three sites and sell their wines by the glass and bottle. Their ‘farm to table’ restaurant showcases fresh, local produce in the form of small and larger plates. The above picture is their mixed platter board from the deli.
The outdoor area is expansive with beautiful views of the vineyards. Unfortunately we were hampered by the rain! As well as the wine, the chilli margarita is well worth sampling!
We stayed at the amazing Heath Flower Farm which is only a walk away from Kinsbrook.
4. Wiston Estate in Pulborough
Wiston Estate offers tastings in their cellar door, vineyard tours and breakfast, lunch and dinner at their Chalk Restaurant. We visited for breakfast – the Nutbourne Tomatoes & Whipped Ricotta on Sourdough Toast was delicious.
Wiston Estate offer a tasting of 4 wines (3 sparkling and 1 still) for £10 and if you buy a bottle the tasting cost is refunded. We loved the Blanc de Blancs – it went down very easily!
The tour & tasting is £25 every day apart from Monday & Tuesday starting at 11am or 2.30pm. There are also tours which include lunch or dinner.
5. Albourne Estate Vineyard in Hassocks
Albourne Estate is a family-owned vineyard and winery overlooking the gorgeous South Downs. It’s in the heart of the Sussex countryside but only a short drive from Brighton. The vineyard makes award winning still and sparkling English wine using sustainably grown grapes.
It has an expansive outdoor area patio and garden for tastings which are available Friday to Sunday. With the wine flights you can sample 3 white still or sparkling wines for between £14/16 which comes with tasting notes. There are also guided wine tasting tours on Saturdays and Sundays for £12 and you can add on charcuterie or cheese boards.
East London Girl: Vineyards in Sussex
Click Here to read about our cabin in Alfriston, East Sussex and Here for our cabin in Ashington, West Sussex
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